South Lexington teacher picked as system's best

Jennifer Byerly (third from left), of South Lexington, was chosen as the 2013-14 Lexington City Schools Teacher of the Year. The announcement came at the annual luncheon where each school's teacher of the year is recognized.

Lexington City Schools Superintendent Rick Kriesky described the group as a body of excellent teachers selected by their peers.

"Congratulations. To represent your school means a great deal," he said. "All of these teachers are wonderful in the classroom and outside of the classroom. What a wonderful group. Each of them represent their school so well."

Byerly, a native of New Jersey, teaches kindergarten. She received a special education degree from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania in 1997. In 2002, she added elementary education to her licensure.

She came to North Carolina in 1998 to teach behaviorally and emotionally disturbed students in Davidson County Schools at Southmont Elementary School. She took a break from 2002 and 2006 to care for her triplets — Conner, Aiden and Parker. They are 9 years old and third-graders at Charles England.

When Byerly came back to education she first taught at Southwest and has been with South Lexington for the past three years.

"I love little children," she said. "My favorite part has been the impact you make with the children."

The teachers, nominated by their peers, had to create a portfolio. They spent Friday morning interviewing with a panel of judges — Rochelle Bobo, Charlotte Roberts, Lexington City Councilman Lewie Phillips and last year's teacher of the year, Adrianne Staten. Each of the teachers received a glass plaque while Byerly received a laptop computer and the choice to attend a professional development program of her choice.

Jennifer Brown, principal of South Lexington, said Byerly goes the extra mile for everybody to do whatever is needed to help a child succeed.

"Jennifer is an amazing teacher," she said. "She is highly deserving of the honor. She is a humble servant leader in (the) classroom and our school. She has a joyful spirit. She loves to see kids learn. It's a honor to have her teach at our school."

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.

<p>South Lexington School's Jennifer Byerly became a teacher to make a difference in the special needs arena.</p><p>Byerly had dyslexia and wanted to be an advocate for children. After being in the field for 11 years, she's honored to receive accolades such as the 2013-14 Lexington City Schools Teacher of the Year.</p><p>"I'm honored, surprised and shocked," Byerly, 39, said. "I'm blown away. I work with amazing people. Everybody here is spectacular. I hope that I represent our school system well."</p><p>Nearly 30 administrators, school board members and central office personnel attended the annual teacher-of-the-year luncheon at The City Club of Lexington.</p><p>Other teachers representing their schools were Steve Love from South Lexington Developmental Wing, Tammy Koontz from Southwest Elementary, Franka McKinney from Pickett Elementary School, Dolores Garrigan from Charles England Elementary School, Jeff Welch from Lexington Middle School and Lt. Col. Ivan Padial from Lexington Senior High School.</p><p>Lexington City Schools Superintendent Rick Kriesky described the group as a body of excellent teachers selected by their peers. </p><p>"Congratulations. To represent your school means a great deal," he said. "All of these teachers are wonderful in the classroom and outside of the classroom. What a wonderful group. Each of them represent their school so well."</p><p>Byerly, a native of New Jersey, teaches kindergarten. She received a special education degree from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania in 1997. In 2002, she added elementary education to her licensure.</p><p>She came to North Carolina in 1998 to teach behaviorally and emotionally disturbed students in Davidson County Schools at Southmont Elementary School. She took a break from 2002 and 2006 to care for her triplets — Conner, Aiden and Parker. They are 9 years old and third-graders at Charles England.</p><p>When Byerly came back to education she first taught at Southwest and has been with South Lexington for the past three years.</p><p>"I love little children," she said. "My favorite part has been the impact you make with the children."</p><p>The teachers, nominated by their peers, had to create a portfolio. They spent Friday morning interviewing with a panel of judges — Rochelle Bobo, Charlotte Roberts, Lexington City Councilman Lewie Phillips and last year's teacher of the year, Adrianne Staten. Each of the teachers received a glass plaque while Byerly received a laptop computer and the choice to attend a professional development program of her choice.</p><p>Jennifer Brown, principal of South Lexington, said Byerly goes the extra mile for everybody to do whatever is needed to help a child succeed.</p><p>"Jennifer is an amazing teacher," she said. "She is highly deserving of the honor. She is a humble servant leader in (the) classroom and our school. She has a joyful spirit. She loves to see kids learn. It's a honor to have her teach at our school."</p><p>Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.</p>